Chair, Claire Gartland
I am a registered Children’s Nurse and trained at Great Ormond Street in London. After moving from London I worked in a Specialist Children’s Renal Unit in Nottingham where parents played a huge role in their child’s care. Working so closely with parents has made me passionate about supporting families. I also have a Neonatal speciality qualification and have worked for many years within Neonatal care.
I am very excited to be a part of LAMBS and feel privileged to be working with such a dynamic group of Trustees! I have four wonderful children, all grown (nearly!) and a little three legged dog who comes jogging with me.”
Amanda Pike
I am a Mummy to three amazing little people. My background largely consists of being long haul cabin crew for 17 years (you name it, I’ve seen it!). I then became a professional photographer, photography being my passion!
Having my babies led to me becoming the Chair for the Maternity Voices Partnership here in Lincolnshire. I lead a team of people who are passionate about hearing the experiences of families during their Maternity and Neonatal journeys, and involving them within their care. Due to this it became apparent that sometimes some families need some extras, so together with the other trustees we said “Let’s do this” and created LAMBS in the hopes of being able to do some real good and help in any way we are able.”
Heather Ind
I work in the NHS as an ISVA where I support people who have been a victim of sexual abuse or assault. Prior to this I was a secondary school teacher.
I have 2 children, Martha and Barney. Martha was premature and we spent some time on the NICU in Sheffield and then Lincoln. After leaving I realised I wanted to do more to help the supporters of those babies as it is a very difficult and emotionally draining time that can have a life-long impact. This started with me and a friend making Christmas packs and then, over the period of 4 years, has led to me being part of the founding team for LAMBS.
I am passionate about improving mental health for parents who have had a traumatic, difficult or worrying time when carrying a child and think that small acts of kindness make huge differences. I love Lincolnshire and I really believe that we can impact this beautiful city through the work that we want to do…watch this space.
Jo Vickers
I am mummy and full-time carer to my daughter Jessica. Becoming a mummy wasn’t how I expected it to be, our first 5 months were spent in hospital and it has been a rollercoaster of a journey ever since. Our experience has made me very passionate in supporting families in neonatal care and dealing with the impact it can have, that’s how I met Claire and Amanda. I was also honoured to receive one of Heather’s first gift packs when we spent Christmas 2017 in the Lincoln Neonatal Unit, such a simple thing meant so much to me at that difficult time. It was from Heather’s generosity and our collective passion to support and make a difference, that the idea of LAMBS was born. I can’t wait to start building the charity up and support Lincolnshire’s families through their maternity, neonatal care and beyond.
In my spare time (is that a thing?), I love to take walks in the countryside and enjoy some stress relief gardening. A Disney film with a glass of wine, some sweet treats, and my Chihuahua Pedro keeping my lap warm is the perfect night in for me!
John Stacey
I work as a director a behavioural science led marketing agency creating change worldwide by developing insight-led campaigns to make a difference in society. Prior to that, I worked in manufacturing and education for over 10 years, having had a long post-graduate career at the University of Lincoln. I’m a dad as well, to a beautiful daughter, with another soon to outnumber me completely!
In my spare time I am a Mental Health First Aider through MHFA England, and a trained peer counsellor. I campaign and work with mental health in the community supporting parts of Lincolnshire with facilitating peer-led support groups. I also have a large Instagram page (@JohnMHS4Dads) which tries to signpost and help those in need of mental health support, either pre-fatherhood, or after becoming a Dad. I regularly appear on many podcasts, deliver webinars, write articles for publications, run talks in schools and colleges, and run self-development groups with men and women across Lincolnshire.